10And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” 11 But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. 12 They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. 13 O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? 14 You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.15 By your strong arm, you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. – Psalm 77:10-15
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Hershel once said, “Much of what the Bible demands can be comprised in one word, Remember.” There are many times in this life when the trials we experience cloud our vision and cause us to forget who our God is and what He has done. We begin to doubt and question God, or even move on believing God either doesn’t care or simply doesn’t exist. It’s in these times that we must remember.
Think about it this way. In a season, every athlete goes through slumps. When it comes down to it, the most successful players aren’t the ones who never go through slumps, but they are the ones who rise out of them the quickest. They never believe that the slump defines who they are; instead, they remember the success they have had before and confidently persevere until they’re back to their old ways. Similarly, there are slumps in this life where it seems God “has turned his hand against” us and we must know those times do not define us, and most certainly, our God.
During this Advent season, a time set aside to remember what Jesus has done and to anticipate His coming, may you be filled with memories. Our loving God is the one who has created, rescued and called us. Our sovereign God has walked us through the Red Sea and calmed the raging storms over Galilee. Our merciful Savior sacrificed His life to have a relationship with us. Ultimately, each of us have stories where God has faithfully shown up and demonstrated his loving-kindness. This is the God we serve and who we must remember during times of hardship.
- Spend time remembering who God is and all He has done in Scripture and throughout your life. Write them down, if possible.
- Thank God for who He is and what He has done.
- Ask God to strengthen you to persevere and to fill you with anticipation.
Pre-Game Playlist: